Some reports on the subject go so far as to claim this is “just another attempt to criminalize Christianity, to make Christianity a ‘hate crime.'” and represents a “war on Christianity.”

“You have to ask yourself, why this interview happened and why it ever became public. Someone from A&E was there and was aware of the kind of answers Phil was giving. But despite that, they didn’t ever try to stop it or control it. Instead, they let it hit the headlines and then released a statement condemning it.”

Considering all the buzz surrounding this controversy, you’d think the Duck Dynasty family would be perfect for Barbara Walters’ 2013 Most Fascinating People. But when the invitation was declined by the Duck Commander, some people began claiming Walters had been “dissed” by the family.

But Alan Robertson says they don’t mean any disrespect by the rejection:

“They simply didn’t want to miss three days of hunting to do everything we had planned. As a family, we were very honored to be recognized on the [Walters] list and there was no disrespect intended by us. When it comes to Dad and Jase, ducks trump just about anything from late November to late January, it’s just the way they roll! Tell him I have never been superseded by a duck before.”